Fleet News Group has announced the judging panel for the 2026 Fleet News Group Awards, bringing together experienced fleet leaders from across the industry to help recognise excellence in fleet management and fit-for-purpose vehicle selection.
The judges will play an important role in the awards process, starting with the review of nominations across each award category. With a large number of nominations received, their first task in July will be to assess the submissions and conduct online interviews with nominees to help determine the three finalists in each category.
Once the finalists are selected, the industry will then have the opportunity to have its say through the voting process. This gives fleet professionals, suppliers and industry peers the chance to recognise the people, organisations and initiatives they believe are setting a high standard for fleet management in Australia.
In August, the judges will also take part in the vehicle awards program to determine the Fleet Car of the Year (COTY) and Fleet Truck of the Year (TOTY) category winners. This will involve hands-on vehicle evaluation and assessment using a Best Value Analysis process, designed to reflect the way fleet buyers compare vehicles in the real world.
The judging process will consider practical fleet requirements including safety, whole-of-life costs, operational efficiency, sustainability, driver suitability, technology and overall fit-for-purpose performance.
The Fleet News Group Awards judging panel includes:
Christine Walley – Fleet Strategy Specialist, Thiess
Peter Armour – Manager, Fleet Services, Benevolent Society
Shannyn Garrett – Procurement Manager – Corporate Services, Serco Asia Pacific
Josh Hedley – Group General Manager – Fleet (Australia/New Zealand), Downer
Chris Fogarty – Retired Fleet Manager
Sarah Johnson – Head Consultant, WLC Fleet Consulting
Mike Costello – Corporate Affairs Manager & Analyst, Cox Automotive Australia & New Zealand
The combination of judge assessment and industry voting is designed to make the Fleet News Group Awards a credible and inclusive program that recognises practical achievement, industry leadership and vehicles that deliver genuine value for fleet operators.
